How to Make Soot for Halloween

Soot is a fitting accessory for a chimney sweep costume (Image: Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images)

If you plan on dressing as somebody covered in soot for Halloween, such as a chimney sweep, a firefighter, a soldier or a burn victim, you'll need to look sooty. However, most face paint or dark eye makeup won't resemble the dark gray, grainy texture of soot. Charred cork will.

Things You'll Need

Bottle cork(s)

Small tongs

Tray

Long-tipped lighter

Grip the cork with the tongs over the tray. The tray will catch any falling ashes -- and the cork, if you accidentally drop it.

Burn one end of the cork with the lighter until it is charred. Set the cork on the tray to let it cool.

Rub the charred cork in the places where you want soot. The soot will rub off the cork onto your skin.